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Professional Pay

Competitive pay is crucial for attracting and retaining qualified educators for our students, throughout their academic journeys.
Jocelyn

NEA and its affiliates advocate for improved salaries for all educators—K-12 teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, and specialized instructional support personnel—to reflect a simple fact: they deserve it.

Educators have long had increasing day-to-day demands and responsibilities, from bus duty to coaching, counseling to leading additional classes, and buying basic supplies for their classes. Yet they are not paid for their expertise, expenses, and time. The Economic Policy Institute estimates that teachers earn 19 percent less than comparable professionals, while the Learning Policy Institute reports that the wage gaps widens to 30 percent by mid-career.

Inadequate educator pay comes at a high cost for schools and children, who must deal with the ramifications of high turnover and teacher shortages. Our students in high-poverty schools see the greatest turnover.

Now is the time to join us in helping our affiliates and members fight for the compensation they deserve.

Educator Pay in Your State

  • Alabama

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $41,163
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #24
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $54,271
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #35
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    69¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $48,111
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $31,766
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #37
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $10,705
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #43
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $84,446
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #34
    in the nation

  • Alaska

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $49,907
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #6
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $73,061
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #10
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    85¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $63,956
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $44,142
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #1
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $18,708
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #9
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $84,111
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #35
    in the nation

  • Arizona

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $40,554
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #27
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $52,157
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #44
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    68¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $52,528
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $31,349
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #38
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $9,920
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #48
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $94,270
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #21
    in the nation

  • Arkansas

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $35,803
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #48
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $51,668
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #46
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    80¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $44,463
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $29,870
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #42
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $11,081
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #40
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $76,068
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #46
    in the nation

  • California

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $49,933
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #5
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $85,856
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #3
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    82¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $54,070
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $41,413
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #5
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $14,801
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #19
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $119,726
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #1
    in the nation

  • Colorado

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $35,724
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #49
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $58,183
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #26
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    64¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $53,043
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $34,713
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #23
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $12,996
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #27
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $89,017
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #27
    in the nation

  • Connecticut

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $47,477
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #10
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $79,742
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #5
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    83¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $63,303
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $41,248
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #6
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $22,153
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #5
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $110,533
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #4
    in the nation

  • Delaware

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $43,448
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #17
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $65,141
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #16
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    89¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $59,978
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $44,044
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #2
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $16,997
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #16
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $115,443
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #3
    in the nation

  • Florida

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $44,040
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #16
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $51,009
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #48
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    80¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $49,625
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $32,704
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #31
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $10,703
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #44
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $98,459
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #11
    in the nation

  • Georgia

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $38,692
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #35
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $60,553
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #21
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    73¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $47,638
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $31,315
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #39
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $12,597
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #31
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $83,796
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #36
    in the nation

  • Hawaii

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $50,123
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #4
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $70,922
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #12
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    85¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $82,158
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $40,248
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #10
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $17,303
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #13
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $107,400
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #5
    in the nation

  • Idaho

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $39,842
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #29
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $51,817
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #45
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    75¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $49,343
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $29,085
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #45
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $8,376
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #51
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $76,047
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #47
    in the nation

  • Illinois

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $41,228
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #23
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $70,705
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #13
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    77¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $52,809
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $36,773
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #15
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $17,500
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #12
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $95,670
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #17
    in the nation

  • Indiana

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $38,158
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #38
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $53,072
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #41
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    79¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $50,562
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $32,232
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #33
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $11,265
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #37
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $92,082
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #24
    in the nation

  • Iowa

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $38,515
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #36
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $58,831
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #24
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    84¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $51,875
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $34,530
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #25
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $12,295
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #34
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $98,813
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #10
    in the nation

  • Kansas

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $39,100
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #32
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $53,619
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #37
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    77¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $52,793
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $29,470
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #44
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $12,828
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #29
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $82,301
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #39
    in the nation

  • Kentucky

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $37,373
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #44
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $54,139
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #36
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    75¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $49,324
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $28,783
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #48
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $12,103
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #35
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $76,947
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #45
    in the nation

  • Louisiana

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $42,185
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #19
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $52,472
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #43
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    72¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $49,467
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $29,804
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #43
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $12,399
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #33
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $71,863
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #50
    in the nation

  • Maine

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $37,580
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #43
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $57,167
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #30
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    76¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $54,307
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $33,274
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #27
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $17,293
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #14
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $83,398
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #37
    in the nation

  • Maryland

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $48,510
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #7
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $74,006
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #9
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    80¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $50,383
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $40,523
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #8
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $15,744
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #17
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $97,003
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #12
    in the nation

  • Massachusetts

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $48,372
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #8
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $86,755
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #2
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    80¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $61,322
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $39,495
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #11
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $21,584
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #6
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $101,745
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #7
    in the nation

  • Michigan

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $37,820
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #41
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $64,262
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #17
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    82¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $47,235
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $34,558
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #24
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $11,597
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #36
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $102,945
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #6
    in the nation

  • Minnesota

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $41,234
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #22
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $66,561
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #15
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    74¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $52,283
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $35,928
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #18
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $14,122
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #21
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $95,980
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #16
    in the nation

  • Mississippi

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $36,653
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #46
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $46,862
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #51
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    85¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $47,142
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $28,477
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #49
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $9,920
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #48
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $71,333
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Researc
    #51
    in the nation

  • Missouri

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $33,234
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #50
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $51,557
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #47
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    72¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $46,944
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institutee

    Average ESP Earnings

    $32,033
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #35
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $10,481
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #46
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $78,304
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #44
    in the nation

  • Montana

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $32,495
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #51
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $53,133
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #40
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    83¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $53,181
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $31,968
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #36
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $12,597
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #31
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $79,302
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #41
    in the nation

  • Nebraska

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $36,491
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #47
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $56,463
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #31
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    79¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $52,132
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $32,614
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #32
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $13,133
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #26
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $87,241
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #32
    in the nation

  • Nevada

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $41,277
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #21
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $58,167
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #27
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    80¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $56,791
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $37,936
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #12
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $10,200
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #47
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $94,981
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #18
    in the nation

  • New Hampshire

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $39,737
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #30
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $61,849
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #20
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    80¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $61,451
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $32,073
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #34
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $19,062
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #7
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $96,076
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #15
    in the nation

  • New Jersey

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $54,053
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #2
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $77,677
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #7
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    96¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $64,342
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $42,037
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #3
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $22,760
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #4
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $118,280
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #2
    in the nation

  • New Mexico

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $41,737
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #20
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $54,923
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #32
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    73¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $46,755
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $29,076
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #46
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $12,964
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #28
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $78,934
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #42
    in the nation

  • New York

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $47,618
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #9
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $90,222
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #1
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    87¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $54,870
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $40,954
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #7
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $28,704
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #1
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $96,456
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #13
    in the nation

  • North Carolina

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $37,127
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #45
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $53,458
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #38
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    76¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $48,346
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $32,847
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #30
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $11,052
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #41
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $87,516
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #31
    in the nation

  • North Dakota

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $40,907
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #25
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $54,837
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #33
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    82¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $50,535
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $35,717
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #20
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $15,336
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #18
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $79,441
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #40
    in the nation

  • Ohio

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $38,231
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #37
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $63,082
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #18
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    86¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $47,760
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $36,047
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #17
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $13,695
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #24
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $94,750
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #19
    in the nation

  • Oklahoma

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $38,074
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #39
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $54,762
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #34
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    67¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $47,322
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $28,246
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #51
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $10,553
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #45
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $78,352
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #43
    in the nation

  • Oregon

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $39,338
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #31
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $68,565
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #14
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    71¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $61,045
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $35,057
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #22
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $14,400
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #20
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $92,540
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #22
    in the nation

  • Pennsylvania

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $46,991
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #11
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $71,479
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #11
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    85¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $47,690
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $35,764
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #19
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $18,847
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #8
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $99,624
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #9
    in the nation

  • Rhode Island

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $44,592
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #13
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $75,966
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #8
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    97¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $61,322
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $40,275
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #9
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $18,651
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #10
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $94,558
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #20
    in the nation

  • South Carolina

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $37,704
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #42
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $53,188
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #39
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    92¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $45,477
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $30,933
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #41
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $12,677
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #30
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $84,467
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #33
    in the nation

  • South Dakota

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $40,128
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #28
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $49,547
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #50
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    82¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $51,278
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $28,465
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #50
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $11,102
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #39
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $73,564
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #49
    in the nation

  • Tennessee

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $39,024
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #33
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $52,871
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #42
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    76¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $46,745
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $28,866
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #47
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $11,128
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #38
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $82,618
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #38
    in the nation

  • Texas

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $44,527
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #14
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $57,641
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #28
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    79¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $43,776
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $31,189
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #40
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $10,741
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #42
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $92,431
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #23
    in the nation

  • Utah

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $44,349
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #15
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $57,226
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #29
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    78¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $49,686
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $36,170
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #16
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $8,968
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #50
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $87,655
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #30
    in the nation

  • Vermont

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $40,810
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #26
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $62,483
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #19
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    86¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $84,954
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $32,984
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #29
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $23,299
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #2
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $89,279
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #26
    in the nation

  • Virginia

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $42,251
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #18
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $58,506
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #25
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    67¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $49,017
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $35,238
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #21
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $14,003
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #22
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $96,331
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #14
    in the nation

  • Washington

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $51,040
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #3
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $79,388
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #6
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    71¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $52,649
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $37,723
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #13
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $17,193
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #15
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $100,511
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #8
    in the nation

  • Washington, D.C.

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $56,313
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #1
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $80,659
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #4
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    81¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $78,904
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $41,889
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #4
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $23,181
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #3
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $88,120
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #28
    in the nation

  • West Virginia

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $37,987
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #40
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $50,261
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #49
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    81¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $50,412
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $33,044
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #28
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $13,671
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #25
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $75,582
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #48
    in the nation

  • Wisconsin

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $38,961
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #34
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $59,992
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #23
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    78¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $53,239
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $37,192
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #14
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $13,833
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #23
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $87,801
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #29
    in the nation

  • Wyoming

    Average Teacher Starting Salary

    $46,826
    State Teacher Salary Benchmark Data, FY 2020-21, NEA CBMA, April 2022
    #12
    in the nation

    Average Teacher Salary

    $60,234
    State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #22
    in the nation

    Teacher Pay Gap

    96¢
    Compared to other college-educated professionals with similar experience. Economic Policy Institute, August 2022

    Minimum Living Wage

    $57,705
    Income needed for family of one adult and one child to have a modest but adequate standard of living in the most affordable metro area, 2020 dollars, Economic Policy Institute

    Average ESP Earnings

    $33,686
    Average ESP Earnings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #26
    in the nation

    Per Student Spending

    $18,385
    Expenditure per student in fall enrollment. State Rankings, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #11
    in the nation

    Average Higher Ed Faculty Salary

    $90,042
    Average Faculty Salary for Four-Year Public Institutions, FY 2020-21, NEA Research
    #25
    in the nation

Consequences of the Educator Pay Gap

1 OF 4
2 OF 4
WEEKLY WAGES (2018$) OF PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS
3 OF 4
Teacher weekly wages have not grown since 1996.

Economic Policy Institute

4 OF 4

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Our students deserve fully funded classrooms. Our teachers and support staff need to be able to afford to do the jobs they love. Now isn’t the time to rest.
Quote by: Betty Collins, eighth grade teacher, Oklahoma
Educator Pay in Your State
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Let’s invest in our future.

The safety and well-being of students and educators cannot be compromised as they return to in-person instruction. Congress should increase education funding to assist with reopening needs.
National Education Association

Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.
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